SPORT SPORT | 07 SPORT | 09 Britain's Rose England name 8 splits with uncapped players long-time swing in training group coach Foley for WI Tests

THURSDAY 18 JUNE 2020 Champions League: Lisbon to host ‘final eight’, decider on August 23

AFP — PARIS General view of the Luz Stadium in Lisbon, There are still restrictions taken on June 17, 2020. The UEFA Champions in place in wider Portuguese The 2019-2020 Champions League quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will society, as the country eases League, suspended since be played as a straight knockout tournament in its lockdown, but UEFA is con- March because of the corona- Lisbon between August 12 and 23. fident there will be no need for virus pandemic, will be another change of plan completed in a ‘final eight’ between now and August. format in Lisbon in August, “For now things look well, UEFA said yesterday. and we hope everything will Europe’s top club compe- be fine until we organise the tition will be decided by a final eight. There is no reason series of one-off matches from to have a Plan B but we are QOC to organise the quarter-final stage assessing the situation, not beginning in the Portuguese week by week but day by day, month-long capital on August 12, with the and we will adapt when the final on August 23, European time comes, if necessary,” said 'Team Qatar football’s governing body con- Ceferin. firmed following a meeting of The draw for the Cham- its executive committee. pions League quarter-finals Virtual Games' Similarly, the Europa will take place on July 10. League will be completed with There are still four last 16, — DOHA THE PENINSULA a ‘final eight’ across four second legs to be completed, German cities, with the final and it is possible those games The Qatar Olympic Committee in Cologne on August 21. could also be moved to (QOC), in partnership with The closing stages of the Portugal. Ooredoo (the Platinum Sponsor), women’s Champions League then we don’t think we could Istanbul will now host UEFA said all matches Atletico Madrid, Paris Sports Corner (Platinum will also go ahead in an eight- have spectators at the Europa the 2021 final instead, would be split between Ben- Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and Sponsor) and Snoonu App team straight knock-out tour- League and Champions League with Saint-Petersburg, fica’s 65,000-capacity Estadio Atalanta all qualified for the (Golden sponsor), will be organ- nament in Bilbao and San quarter-finals, semi-finals and Munich and London da Luz, and the nearby quarter-finals before the com- ising the “Team Qatar Virtual Sebastian, in Spain, from finals but things are changing 50,000-seat Estadio Jose petition was suspended. hosting the following Games” for adults and kids August 21 to 30. rapidly,” he said. Alvalade, home of Sporting. The remaining last 16, during the next four weeks. “Football is leading the “A month ago I couldn’t three years. Portugal’s credentials to second legs are: Juventus v The first week of the event return to a more normal life even answer if we could play host the mini-tournament Lyon; Manchester City v Real will feature the global cele- here in Europe,” said UEFA the competition. Now we will were boosted by the fact that Madrid; Bayern Munich v bration of the Olympic Day. president Aleksander Ceferin, play it, hopefully.” fans from different clubs could it has not been as badly hit by Chelsea and Barcelona v Other events include the “Live but in all cases it remains to be With the European death travel.” the pandemic as other western Napoli. With Team Qatar” Program, seen if any supporters will be toll from the coronavirus The men’s Champions European countries, and it has If needed, the games will Team Qatar Kids Virtual Run, allowed to attend matches. easing and numerous EU League final was initially due no clubs left in the compe- be played in the Portuguese Team Qatar Virtual Run and old Games around Europe are countries this week opening to be played in Istanbul in May tition. The Portuguese league cities of Porto and Olympic Photo gallery. currently being played behind their borders again to visitors, before the COVID-19 crisis recently resumed matches Guimaraes. The second week will feature closed doors amid strict health there is some hope that took hold. behind closed doors. As well as Cologne, the Kids Arts and Crafts Competition guidelines, and Ceferin said no matches can be played before The Turkish city will now “UEFA has shown the con- nearby German cities of (Think With Team Qatar) and decision would be made on crowds. host the 2021 final instead, fidence it has in the Portuguese Duisburg, Duesseldorf and FIFA online Tournament in whether to let spectators in Ceferin added: “We don’t with Saint-Petersburg, Munich people,” said Fernando Gomes, Gelsenkirchen will be used for addition to the “Live With Team “until mid-July”. know if (it would be) only the and London hosting the fol- head of the country’s football the Europa League final eight, Qatar” Program and Team Qatar “If I would answer today local fans, if no fans, or even if lowing three years. federation. starting on August 10. Kids Virtual Run. For the third week, there will be the “Live With Team Qatar” Program, Team Qatar Kids Cycling Race, Kids Arts and Villa, Sheffield United draw Crafts Competition (Think With Team Qatar) in addition to Team Qatar Virtual Cycling Race. as Premier League returns The “Team Qatar Virtual Games” will be rounded up on the fourth week with the con- REUTERS — BIRMINGHAM The players and match offi- an off-balance Nyland caught a tinuation of the “Live With Team cials all took a knee on the opening curling free kick but was bundled Qatar” Program. Other events Aston Villa and Sheffield United whistle as the league formally back over the line by team-mate lined up for the final week drew 0-0 yesterday as the joined worldwide protests against Keinan Davis in a clumsy include the Team Qatar Kids Premier League returned to racism, sparked by the death of defensive mix-up. Virtual Run, Kids Arts and Crafts action after a 100-day hiatus due George Floyd in America. Yet the referee, pointing to his Competition (Think With Team to COVID-19 with strong anti- The players’ names on the watch, looked to indicate that Qatar) and Team Qatar Virtual racism statements and imme- back of their shirts were replaced goalline technology had not ver- Run. diate controversy. with the words ‘Black Lives Matter’ ified the ball had crossed the line, This edition of the “Team Technology was thrust back and there was a moment’s silence despite what appeared to be clear Qatar Virtual Games” for adults into the spotlight as the visitors before kickoff in memory of those evidence on TV replays. and kids follows the huge appeared to be denied a goal at an who died in the COVID-19 health There was no intervention success of the virtual events empty Villa Park, when Villa goal- crisis, which included the father from VAR. A signal usually beeps Sheffield United’s Oliver McBurnie and Aston Villa’s organised by the QOC on its keeper Orjan Nyland looked as if of Villa manager Dean Smith. on the match official’s watch to Conor Hourihane gesture after the match yesterday. social media platforms. he had carried the ball over the The home side enjoyed a confirm if the ball has crossed the goalline. let-off just before the break when line. World 100m champ Coleman suspended

Christian Coleman was AFP — LOS ANGELES Coleman said he was out Those offences were Thatt mimissedssed test mmeanseans tthathat shopping for Christmas provisionally suspended recorded on June 6, 2018 and his offencesnces in January and April Reigning world 100m champion presents. over a missed drugs test, on January 16 and April 26 in of last yearyear come into play. Christian Coleman (pictured) “I was more than ready and putting him at risk of a 2019. Underder World Anti-Doping was provisionally suspended available for testing and if I had two-year ban that would Coleman successfully Agency rules, any combination yesterday over a missed drugs received a phone call I could’ve rule him out of next year’s argued that the first missed case of threee whereaboutswhereabouts failuresfailures test, putting him at risk of a taken the drug test and carried Tokyo Olympics. should have been backdated to -- eitherr missing a test or failing two-year ban that would rule on with my night,” he said. the first day of the quarter -- to file ppaperworkaperwork on time -- him out of next year’s Tokyo “I’ve been contacted by April 1, 2018 -- meaning the within a 12-month Olympics. phone literally every other time Coleman says in a three failures fell just outside period isis deemeddeemed Coleman, who only nar- I’ve been tested,” said Coleman. statement on Twitter that the required 12-month period. a dopingg offence rowly avoided being banned The AIU responded in an he was the victim of “a Yesterday’s suspension for punishableable by last year after three violations email in which they said “we purposeful attempt to get again missing a test was greeted a two-year-year of anti-doping “whereabouts” will not comment on the spe- me to miss a test.” with disbelief by the track and suspension,sion, rules across 2018 and 2019, said cifics of an ongoing case” but field community. which canan be in a statement on Twitter that that “a phone call is discre- Coleman, 24, is now barred Coleman’s two American reducedd to he was the victim of “a pur- tionary and not a mandatory from competition pending a predecessors as 100m world one yearar ifif poseful attempt to get me to requirement.” hearing under World Athletics champions, Justin Gatlin, who there aarere miss a test.” “Any advanced notice of anti-doping rules. won in 2005 and 2017, and mitigatingng The Athletics Integrity Unit testing, in the form of a phone The American escaped sus- Tyson Gay, 2007, were both circum-m- (AIU), the anti-doping arm of call or otherwise, provides an pension on a technicality ahead banned for doping. Coleman, stances.. World Athletics, responded by opportunity for athletes to of last September’s World who clocked 9.76sec to win saying testers had followed the engage in tampering or evasion Championships in Qatar after 100m gold in Doha, said he had rules when they visited Cole- or other improper conduct it emerged he had committed unsuccessfully challenged the man’s apartment on December which can limit the efficacy of three whereabouts failures in a latest AIU finding that he missed 9, 2019. testing,” the AIU added. 12-month period. a test on December 9, 2019. THURSDAY 18 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07 Golf: Former World No.1 Rose splits with swing coach Foley A file photo of action during the Qatar Coupe De France REUTERS — LONDON Des Chevaux Arabes 2019.

Former world number one Justin Rose (pictured) has I’m grateful for the parted ways with swing coach successes I had Sean Foley after 11 years together, the 39-year-old told under his tutelage The Telegraph. and the career goals Under Foley, Englishman Rose won 10 PGA Tour titles, I was able to achieve: his only major championship Justin Rose at the 2013 US Open, as well as the gold medal at the Olympic golf tournament in 2016. my swing and game. That idea “I spent the past three is something Sean has always months working on my game wanted for me. at home,” said Rose, who fin- “I’m grateful for the successes ished tied for third at the I had under his tutelage and the Charles Schwab Challenge, the career goals I was able to achieve. PGA Tour’s first tournament The door’s open whenever I have since the pandemic brought questions or want his guidance, world sport to a halt. as he continues to be one of my Thrilling action on the cards at Qatar “I made a lot of progress closest friends.” and wanted to keep that Rose, ranked 14th in the momentum going when I world, will be in action at this Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes returned to competition in Fort week’s RBC Heritage event at Worth. I felt it was a good time Hilton Head Island in South to take complete ownership of Carolina. THE PENINSULA — DOHA The grey colt will be taken The Al Shaqab Racing- Gallura) will be steered by to stay unbeaten in his second owned and bred ALHAFAR (FR) Jerome Cabre. La Teste De Buch will host the start following his perfect debut (Al Mamun Monlau x Farh) will It is also the second attempt QREC-sponsored Qatar Coupe when he won the Prix Djelfor have a renewed rivalry with for both colts who had their de France des Chevaux Arabes over the same distance with the ANTAR. The Mme JF. Bernard- debut in the Prix Djelfor. (Gr2 P/A) today. same trainer and under the trained bay colt will be ridden MAJD’OR finished third, five The 2020 renewal of the same jockey at Toulouse on by Jean-Bernard Eyquem in his lengths behind the winner, mile-long race for three-year- May 11. second call out. ABBES, while TEMBEL DE PINE old pure Arabians will start at The other runner in the On debut, ALHAFAR fin- was a further nose behind in 10:20pm Qatar time, featuring white and maroon colours is the ished fifth with a margin of fourth. six runners, including five Didier Guillemin-trained eight and a half lengths behind Following their clash at representing the colours of ANTAR (FR) (Al Mamun Monlau the runner-up, ANTAR. Toulouse, the trio are set for a Justin Rose during three Qatari owners. x Al Dahma (and he will be part- Sheail Bin Khalifa Al Kuwari new rivalry at La Teste De Buch the final round of H H Sheikh Abdullah Bin nered by Emilien Révolte. has two runners and both of today. the Charles Schwab Khalifa Al Thani has two It will be the second start as them are trained by Thomas Arezki Goutal’s HAFSA DE Challenge. homebred runners declared in well for the bay colt, who did Fourcy. MONLAU (FR) (Saladin De the race. well on debut when was the The bay colt MAJD’OR (FR) Monlau x Lawaha) is the only The Thomas Fourcy-trained runner-up, three quarters of a (Majd Al Arab x Case D’Or) will lady in the race. The Olivier Tri- ABBES (FR) (TM Fred Texas x length behind the winner, in the have Julien Augé astride while godet-trained chestnut filly will Raqiyah) will have Olivier Prix Norniz over the same dis- black colt TEMBEL DE PINE be ridden by Ioritz Mendizabal Peslier in the saddle. tance at Bordeaux on May 29. (ITY) (AF Albahar x Razza Di on her racecourse bow. Prosecution NBA will address player concerns demands 4-year jail before return, says Commissioner for Diack REUTERS — NEW YORK “I’m incredibly sympa- AFP — PARIS thetic and empathetic to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver what’s happening in people’s plans to listen for now, but lives. And in the midst of all The prosecution in the expects the league to address A coalition of players that, to say, ‘We’re looking for corruption trial in France of all player concerns before including Brooklyn an opportunity to restart this former global athletics games resume in Orlando next Nets guard Kyrie Irving league, to try to move forward supremo Lamine Diack month. has held a series of with crowning a champion,’ called on Wednesday for Silver said he has a sense players-only calls and it’s not top of mind for a lot of him to serve four years in that players and the league Kyrie Irving also communicated people.” prison and be fined a should be able to “work through Silver said finding a maximum of €500,000. concerns to the league most of those issues over the “uniform” opinion among all Diack is accused of next few weeks,” when asked regarding how to use players from the 22 teams delaying punishment for Monday night about how the the NBA platform invited to resume the 2020 NBA Russian athletes who failed NBA is handling concerns over to continue the BLM season on July 30 won’t likely doping tests in return for the optics of playing during the movement -- and not happen. payment and in order to “Black Lives Matter” movement detract from it while Portland Trail Blazers guard ensure that prospective as well as health and safety playing. Damian Lillard, who also took sponsors were not matters around the coronavirus part in the ESPN event, said he discouraged. pandemic. gets the differing opinions and Diack, who led the Inter- “It’s not an ideal situation,” supports players using their national Association of Ath- Silver said regarding a series of voices to impact change. letics Federations (IAAF) issues the NBA is facing in an “I can only speak for myself from 1999 to 2015, faces appearance on Monday night’s -- but I think it goes for other charges of “giving and The Return to Sports special on guys as well -- we are the receiving bribes”, “breach of ESPN. health reasons they have, or it detract from it while playing. precisely where players are financial support for our fam- trust” and “organised money “We are trying to find a way may be because they feel -- as The NBA has been on hiatus coming from and supports their ilies and for a lot of our com- laundering”. to our own normalcy in the some players have said very since March 11 due to the coro- approach. He’s discussed ways munity,” Lillard said. The prosecutor, Francois- middle of a pandemic, in the recently -- that their time is best navirus pandemic. the NBA can assist in forwarding “We bring a lot of that Xavier Dulin, told the court in middle of essentially a recession spent elsewhere.” \BLM protests opposing social justice reform. financial responsibility to Paris that although the or worse with 40 million unem- A coalition of players racial injustice and police bru- “The social unrest in the support black businesses in prison sentence requested ployed, and now with enormous including Brooklyn Nets guard tality -- many with NBA players country was -- in the same way black communities. So it makes for Diack was long for a man social unrest in the country. Kyrie Irving has held a series of present -- have spanned the we never could have predicted a lot of sense for us [to return], “in the autumn years of his “And so as we work through players-only calls and also country and traveled around the pandemic would unfold, in from that standpoint. But I think life”, he had “committed an these issues, I can understand communicated concerns to the the globe since the death of the way it has -- what’s hap- a lot of guys in the league have enormous offence” which how some players may feel, that league regarding how to use the George Floyd in police custody pened since George Floyd’s a point. I think Kyrie and had “worldwide” it’s not for them... it may be for NBA platform to continue the on May 25. death is also unprecedented,” Dwight (Howard) have a point. repercussions. family reasons, it may be for BLM movement -- and not Silver said he understands Silver said. So I understand it all." NHL: No full shields for players if matches resume

AP — TORONTO Because players are Edmonton Oilers centre Drake the American National Standards cities that will host 24 play-off expected to be tested daily, Caggiula is held by Golden Knights' Institute regulation for preventing teams for initial rounds, Eastern NHL players won’t be expected there isn’t expected to be addi- linesman Brandon Gawryletz, in this droplets. and Western Conference finals to wear full face shields if games tional on-ice equipment file photo. “There’s been a lot of and Stanley Cup Final. resume this summer, though required for practices and interest,” Bauer vice president Each team is limited to 50 there could be plenty of covered games. Deputy Commissioner of global marketing Mary-Kay personnel in its game city, with faces around them. Bill Daly additionally said he Messier said. the event level at arenas and Equipment changes have didn’t anticipate any mandatory “Craig and I have actually practice facilities, hotels and res- not been a focus of return-to- equipment changes to ensure had a lot of calls with NHL taurants expected to serve as a play negotiations between the player safety. teams as they consider how to quarantine bubble of sorts. league and players’ union, Still, hockey equipment bring back their teams - their Bauer’s “integrated cap shield” according to a person with manufacturer Bauer has spoken entire teams and everyone that that’s being unveiled Wednesday knowledge of those talks. with the league and teams about surrounds them - safely, par- and a polyester face mask would The person, who spoke on medical-grade off-ice visors ticularly in situations where fit for those outside the bubble condition of anonymity because that coaches, executives, team they’re looking at being hub and for players around the rink no agreement has been reached, personnel and others could cities where there’ll be a lot of when they’re not skating, said the emphasis has been on wear as a measure of protection Product vice president Craig baseball cap, is “feather light” interaction.” because they’re required to testing and other off-ice safety against spreading or contracting Desjardins said the visor, which despite being three times thicker Ten locations are in the wear masks even now, during precautions. COVID-19. can attach to the brim of a than a medical shield and meeting running to serve as the “hub” voluntary workouts. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 18 JUNE 2020

World Star Serena set for US Open as No.2 Halep says she officials vow safety, star power may not play at the US Open

REUTERS - BUCHAREST Simona Halep does not currently plan to play the US Open with the health protocols put in place by the organisers for the Grand Slam due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Romanian women’s world number two said yesterday. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) received the green light to hold their marquee tour- nament in New York as scheduled from Aug 31-Sept. 13 without fans. In this file photo taken on September 05, 2019 a general New York Governor view of Arthur Ashe Stadium during the Men’s Singles Andrew Cuomo said the semi-final match between Matteo Berrettini of Italy and USTA would take “extraor- Rafael Nadal of Spain on day 12 of the 2019 US Open at dinary precautions” to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the protect players, including Queens borough of New York City. The US Open is to go robust testing, additional ahead as planned pending formal government approval. cleaning, extra locker room space and dedicated accommodation. “Given the conditions AFP - NEW YORK this for a one-off year,” USTA outlined in the US Open chief executive officer Mike announcement this Serena Williams committed to play at Dowse said. morning, as of today I do this year’s US Open yesterday as US Novak Djokovic has been not currently plan to play Tennis Association officials vowed they among several top players in NYC,” Halep said in an can safely stage the first Grand Slam critical of the idea of staging the emailed statement. since the coronavirus pandemic US Open as scheduled given the Halep, however, said shutdown. severe US impact of COVID-19, she could reconsider her With top men’s stars questioning the although the major issues in the stand if the situation wisdom of the staging the event, the New York area have been improved by the entry USTA said the event will be staged declining for several weeks. deadline in mid-July and August 31 to September 13 without spec- “It’s the right decision for has informed the USTA and tators at New York’s National Tennis tennis,” Dowse said. “Our fans the women’s WTA Tour of Center, which in April became a tem- told us unequivocally they’re her decision. “I would like porary hospital facility to combat the excited to see the best players in Serena Williams to underline that my coronavirus pandemic. the world.” of the U.S. with decision is not set in stone,” “I really can’t wait to return to the Players will be tested for her coach, Patrick she added. US Open 2020,” Serena Williams said in COVID-19 when they arrive at Mouratoglou, The men’s ATP Tour a video message. “I think the USTA is the tournament hotel and at least before practice and women’s WTA Tour going to do a really good job of ensuring once a week thereafter, with at the All England also issued revised cal- everyone is going to be safe. those electing to stay at private Lawn Tennis and endars on Wednesday for “This is crazy. I’m excited.” homes being tested more often Croquet Club, the resumption of profes- The Flushing Meadows fortnight will as they enter the “bubble” area London, Britain, sional tennis. be the first Grand Slam event staged of the tournament. in this July 3, The ATP Tour will since the deadly virus outbreak shut “We’re confident we can pull 2019, file photo. resume on Aug 14 in Wash- down global sport. Wimbledon was can- this off,” said Dr Brian Hainline, ington, DC, while the first celled and the French Open was post- USTA Medical Advisory Group WTA event will be held in poned until September. chairman. all players will play only doubles. There outer courts. No media except telecasters Palermo, Italy from Aug 3. The site will also host the ATP “We know how we can start doing will be eight wildcard selections for will be permitted on site. The USTA’s Billie Jean Western and Southern Open, typically things in a manner that doesn’t neces- singles but qualifying will not be With nasal swab tests being used King National Tennis staged in Cincinnati, the week before the sarily prevent one person from getting contested. having near 100% reliability, Hainline Center will also host the US Open with a similar safety “bubble” the disease but we can prevent a major “That extra load was outside the level declared, “There won’t be false 2020 Western & Southern that includes testing for players and their outbreak of COVID-19.” of what we could handle,” said US Open positives.” Open - the event in entourage. The USTA board of directors never tournament director Stacey Allaster. After all positive tests, a repeat test Cincinnati which features The USTA expects an 80 percent drop discussed having players sign a waiver Mixed doubles, junior events and will be given within 24 hours to confirm. on both tours - ahead of the in net operating income as a result of to participate, Hainline saying the pos- wheelchair competitions were called off. Those who are positive will be required Grand Slam. having no spectators for the US Open sibility of contracting the virus inside the Technology will replace line judges to quarantine outside the event bubble. Players for both events but will provide $60m in prize money bubble was “highly unlikely.” on every court except the feature layouts Allaster said she would discuss what will be tested upon arrival for the two events in New York com- The US Open will have its regular of Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Arm- impact a late-round positive test would and once weekly thereafter bined plus another $3.3m each to the draw of 128 players in men’s and strong Stadium. have for the tournament. It could with restrictions likely on ATP and WTA. women’s singles but doubles will have No children will be used to retrieve produce a walkover just as an injury to the number of people they “We have the resources we can do only 32 duos instead of the usual 64 and balls, with a reduced number used on a player would do. can bring into New York. Men’s No. 1 Novak Djokovic and his women’s counterpart Ash Barty have also raised concerns about French Open to begin on September 27 playing in the tournament under health protocols while Nick Kyrgios said the USTA was being “selfish” by as ATP and WTA reveal August restarts opting to go ahead with it. Serena Williams said AFP - PARIS “All events will she will compete in New be held under strict York, where the seven- Roland Garros chiefs said yesterday that the guidelines related times champion will seek a delayed French Open will get underway on to health and record-tying 24th career September 27 as the ruling bodies of world safety, social dis- Grand Slam singles title. tennis revealed a new-look calendar for a sport tancing, reduced or Meanwhile Canadian placed on ice since mid-March due to the coro- no fans on-site.” doubles specialist Gabriela navirus. The ATP said a Dabrowski has hit out at the The French Open was switched from its further update on a decision to go ahead with traditional May-June slot because of the pan- possible Asia swing this year's US Open, saying demic with September 20 pencilled in as a ahead of European that despite strict health start date. indoor events, cul- protocols it will be "impos- Now, the Paris main draw of the season’s minating with the sible" to protect players in final Grand Slam event will begin a week later season-ending ATP a bio-secure bubble and finish on October 11. Finals in London, is throughout the event. With the US Open already confirmed to expected in "It is IMPOSSIBLE to start on August 31, the ATP and WTA tours mid-July. control and enforce a announced their restart dates. “Our objective bubble situation where The ATP Tour will resume in Washington has been to players only move from the from August 14 while the WTA starts in reschedule as many hotel to the venue and Palermo, Italy, on August 3. tournaments as back," Dabrowski, who has Unlike the US Open in New York, Roland possible and won the Australian Open Garros will maintain its qualifying event in the Austria’s Dominic Thiem in action during his final match against Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic at the salvage as much of and the French Open mixed week before the main draw. Adria Tour in Belgrade, Serbia in this June 14, 2020, file photo. Thiem lost last year’s French Open the season as we doubles titles, said on “In the current, difficult climate, we are final to Rafael Nadal. can,” said ATP chief Twitter. well aware that it is a privilege to be able to Andrea Gaudenzi "We don't know who hold Roland Garros in its usual format,” said yesterday. players will come into Bernard Giudicelli, the president of the French Tennis After Washington, the ATP Tour will skip the now Unlike the ATP, the WTA set out plans to visit Asia contact with and those that Federation (FFT). cancelled Rogers Cup in Toronto, and head for New after the conclusion of Roland Garros with the China don't obey put everyone “Especially since the qualifying tournament will York for the relocated Cincinnati Masters and then the Open in Beijing set for October 12, leading towards the else in the tournament at help to financially support a category of professional US Open. WTA Finals at Shenzhen from November 9-15. RISK." players who have been severely affected by this unprec- Once the US Open is over, the tour heads to Europe WTA tournaments, however, will not have fans on Reports say the USTA edented crisis. for clay courts events at the Madrid Open and Italian site. had decided to eliminate “The responsible decision we made on March 17 to Masters in the run-up to the French Open. “For now, the vital energy of spectators in stadiums qualifying, halve the postpone the Roland Garros tournament until the “The calendar is subject to change and continued will be greatly missed, but our broadcast and social doubles draw to 32 pairings autumn means that the 2020 clay season can be saved, assessments will be made relating to health and safety, media partners are exploring new ways to engage with and drop the mixed doubles providing the current situation continues to improve,” international travel policies, and governmental approval our fantastic fans,” said WTA chief executive Steve tournament altogether. he said. of sporting events,” said an ATP spokesman. Simon. THURSDAY 18 JUNE 2020 SPORT 09

QSL thanks all those who participated in COVID-19 tests Koora Time concludes virtual programme with great success

THE PENINSULA - DOHA

Koora Time, an award-winning partnership between Qatar Shell and Qatar Football Association (QFA), has wrapped up its virtual football programme, a novel initi- ative aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, attracted 1,309 participants, while 729 new participants registered in the online platform, Extra Time. The platform provided access to fitness tips and enabled participants to finish learning the Koora Time methodology. Koora Time coaches also delivered virtual football challenges that proved very popular among the public on the Koora Time social media channels. Coaches filmed and shared challenges through social media to teach participants how to exercise and complete the challenge from home. Four players from Qatar National Team including Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmad Suhail, Ismail Mohamad and Abdullah Al Ahrak joined the campaign, completing one of the challenges and sharing the footage on their social media platforms to encourage Qatar’s youth to partic- The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has expressed its appreciation and gratitude to all parties who participated in the first phase of coronavirus (COVID- ipate. Winning participants who successfully completed 19) tests held as part of the arrangements being made ahead of the resumption of 2019-20 QNB Stars League, according to the general plan the challenges were offered valuable prizes. and protocol developed by the QSL and approved by the Ministry of Public Health in co-operation with Aspetar hospital. The QSL said it also Accessible through Koora Time’s website, Extra Time appreciates the great role and efforts made by everyone in preventing the spread of coronavirus in the society. In this regard, on the last day is still available for everyone in Qatar wishing to expe- of the first phase of testing, Hani Taleb Ballan, CEO of QSL, was keen to meet the medical teams who supervised the process, and thanked them rience football virtually and to access fitness and health and appreciated them on the successful completion of the task. It may be noted that the testing process, which ended June 16, 2020, included tips, online games and activities to stimulate a healthy players, administrative as well as technical staff, QSL and club staff, volunteers and team bus drivers. All teams underwent thetest process and lifestyle while staying at home through: http://kooratime. are on home quarantine, awaiting Al Arabi’s test results. Their team members will join them today. qa/

ENGLAND Jones gets TRAINING England name 8 uncapped players cap 50 years GROUP: in training group for Windies Tests after England Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James appearance LONDON Anderson (Lancashire), AFP - Jofra Archer (Sussex), AFP - LONDON Jonny Bairstow England included eight uncapped players in ECB to release £35.7m to help (Yorkshire), Dominic a 30-man training group announced Bess (Somerset), James yesterday ahead of next month’s Test series Fifty years to the day since Bracey (Gloucestershire), against the West Indies. counties, clubs hit by COVID the start of his only England Stuart Broad The England and Wales Cricket Board last REUTERS - LONDON appearance, former (Nottinghamshire), Rory month named a 55-strong training group. were due to be paid to counties for the inau- Glamorgan batsman Alan Burns (Surrey), Jos But the selectors have now whittled the gural season of The Hundred competition, Jones received a Test cap Buttler (Lancashire), number down to those who are more likely The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) which was pushed back to 2021 due to the yesterday. Zak Crawley (Kent), to be in contention for the Test side as opposed yesterday approved an additional financial coronavirus outbreak. Although the 1970 Sam Curran (Surrey), to the one-day team. package of £35.7m ($44.71m) to support the “It is the ECB’s responsibility to protect matches between England Joe Denly (Kent), Ben The new group will meet at the Ageas professional and recreational game which the whole game’s future during the financial and the Rest of the World Foakes (Surrey), Lewis Bowl on June 23 and remain at Hampshire’s have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. uncertainty we face as a sport,” ECB CEO were billed as a Test series, Gregory (Somerset), headquarters as they prepare for an intra- Cricket has been suspended since March Tom Harrison said in a statement. their status was never con- Keaton Jennings squad match on July 1-3. and the ECB had initially announced a £61m “It remains our priority to get cricket firmed by the International (Lancashire), Dan That will give players a chance to press aid package to help the game withstand the started again this summer... and we will con- Cricket Council and two Lawrence (Essex), Jack their case for inclusion in the Test squad. financial impact of the shutdown which has tinue to work with government to try and years later the global gov- Leach (Somerset), Saqib The three-match series against the West delayed the start of the English season. do in a way that keeps people safe but that erning body said the fix- Mahmood (Lancashire), Indies, behind closed doors, starts in South- The ECB said £30.2m would be made limits the ongoing impact of this crisis on our tures were unofficial. Craig Overton ampton on July 8, with the second and third available to First-Class Counties (FCCs) and game.” Glamorgan’s Jones, a (Somerset), Jamie Tests taking place at Old Trafford. the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in August England are scheduled to play West prolific opening batsman at Overton (Somerset), Among the uncapped players in the while £5.5m will go to County Cricket Boards Indies in a three-Test series from July 8 with county level whose tally of Matthew Parkinson 30-man squad are Essex batsman Dan Law- (CCBs) for the recreational game. The funds all matches to be held behind closed doors. 36,049 first-class runs is (Lancashire), Ollie Pope rence, Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman the most by anyone who (Surrey), Ollie Robinson James Bracey and Sussex seamer Ollie has not played Test cricket, (Sussex), Joe Root Robinson. even though they have been making their that cricket is returning soon, and that the had gone from being a (Yorkshire), Dom Sibley Saqib Mahmood, Lewis Gregory and Matt way back from injury. players are reporting for group training in one-cap wonder to a (Warwickshire), Ben Parkinson have also yet to appear in Tests but England assistant coach Paul preparation for the Test series against the no-cap wonder. Stokes (Durham), Olly have represented England in limited-overs Collingwood will take charge of the one-day West Indies. The summer of 1970 Stone (Warwickshire), cricket. team in the hope that a three-match series “We’d also like to thank all the county was unique in English Amar Virdi (Surrey), Chris But there were no major surprises in the against Ireland can go ahead later in the coaches who have supported these players cricket history. England had Woakes (Warwickshire), squad, which includes Test skipper Joe Root. season. over the past few weeks. been meant to be playing Mark Wood (Durham) Rory Burns, Jofra Archer, James England national selector Ed Smith said: “A squad for the first Test will be South Africa but after the Anderson and Mark Wood were all selected “Everyone involved with England is delighted announced in due course.” Springboks’ 1969/70 rugby tour had been disrupted by anti-apartheid protests, the British government effec- tively cancelled the cricket CA cuts staff, budget; sets for full season series on security grounds. South Africa were AP - MELBOURNE Cricket Australia chairman Earl competition for the second-string Next season was supposed to include replaced as tourists by a Eddings said government stimulus national teams and some junior national Australia hosting the men’s Twenty20 star-studded Rest of the Cricket Australia will cut 40 staff and measures and easing domestic COVID-19 age group teams. World Cup in October and November, World side captained by plans to slash costs by millions of dollars restrictions have given the sport’s national “Our responsibility is clear,” Eddings although that is now in doubt. Garry Sobers that included to off set the impact of the coronavirus administration a more positive financial said in a statement. “To navigate a path New interim chief executive Nick several gifted South African pandemic, but still expects to complete a outlook for next season, which should for cricket through this period of uncer- Hockley said Cricket Australia was pre- and West Indies players. full domestic season in 2020-21. include a full Sheffield Shield schedule tainty and disruption to ensure we come paring for a season that would involve Jones was dismissed for The number of redundancies and full competitions for the men’s and out the other side sustainable in the short smaller crowds - if any - at games and five and nought in the series announced yesterday was fewer than ini- women’s Twenty20 leagues. term and prosperous in the long term.” higher costs for health measures asso- opener at Lord’s and that tially expected when 200 staffers were Australia is hopeful of hosting a tour Australia’s cricket season was almost ciated with the pandemic. was the end of his England furloughed after Australia closed its by India, including four Test matches. over when the national lockdown began, “We are confident that our actions career. But while the borders and went into lockdown in Cricket Australia plans to reduce oper- shuttering sports. Unlike the various today... are the right steps to ensure we England and Wales Cricket March. ating costs by A$40m ($28m) by cutting football leagues in Australia, very few can manage the continued uncertainty Board (ECB) cannot unilat- At the time, then chief executive Kevin administrative, travel and marketing domestic cricket games are expected to while doing all we can to deliver on the erally change the status of Roberts predicted Cricket Australia could costs, reducing pay and bonuses for man- be lost because of COVID-19 and the hit domestic and international program,” he the game, they decided to run out of money by August. agement and shelving tours and to revenue shouldn’t be as deep. said. present Jones with official England cap number 696 on Wednesday. Coronavirus lockdown restrictions meant the pres- England’s Bairstow is keen to entation ceremony took place by video link, with reclaim Test wicketkeeper’s role England captain Joe Root among those paying tribute. REUTERS - LONDON Bairstow said. “There have always been challenges that As he tried on his new have been asked -- whether keeping wicket or batting in cap, the 81-year-old Jones Jonny Bairstow says he wants to return to the England Test certain positions -- and I’d like to think I’ve risen to those said: “It fits. I’m just waiting squad for next month’s home series against West Indies challenges.” for the helmet now. To rep- as the designated wicketkeeper, not a specialist batsman. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s 17-year-old fast-bowling sen- resent England in a Test Jos Buttler has been the preferred Test stumper recently sation Naseem Shah warned England yesterday not to match at Lord’s was some- while Ben Foakes is considered technically best of the three. underestimate him in the upcoming Test series, saying it thing very special in my Bairstow was dropped for the tour of New Zealand in would be their “big loss” if they do. career and I have fond November and played only one Test in South Africa as a During December’s series against Sri Lanka, he became memories.” specialist batsman. the youngest fast bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Test England skipper Root “I was disappointed to lose the gloves at the time,” cricket, at age 16 years and 311 days. said it had been a “great Bairstow told British media. “My stats were very good and Shah said that while he only knows the name of one honour” to have been part I didn’t feel like I had done anything wrong with my England player -- skipper Joe Root -- from the Test squad, of the celebration. keeping. I was getting complimented highly by people on the team should not take him lightly. Jones was up against that.” “If they treat me like a small kid, it will be their big one of the most talented In this file photo taken on December 07, 2016, The 30-year-old, who was named in England’s 55-man loss,” Shah said. “Age doesn’t matter, it’s my bowling that teams ever assembled in England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow catches a ball training group for the three-Test series against West Indies, matters -- so they need to take me seriously.” 1970, with all-rounder during during training at the Wankhede Stadium said he had used the time during the coronavirus shutdown Pakistan’s squad is set to fly to England at the end of Sobers taking six wickets in Mumbai. Bairstow believes he can still regain his to work on his batting technique. the month and will spend 14 days in mandatory quarantine for 21 runs and scoring 183 place as England’s wicketkeeper when Test cricket “I’m pleased with the way my batting has been going,” before starting practice in “bio-secure” facilities. at Lord’s. emerges from lockdown.